Chelsea-Manchester United: The Gap Is "Bridged"

The eagerly anticipated match between Chelsea and United unfolded with high drama at Stanford Bridge.

Unlike other big matches, which are rather cagey affairs, this match was uncharacteristically open with Chelsea playing the majority of "beautiful football."

It ended 2-1 to Chelsea in the end, leaving the English premiership an unfinished business as of now.

Lampard quite understandably decided to sit this match out but Ballack ensured that Chelsea wouldn't miss him.

Man United's first team, though, sprang lot of surprises with Ronaldo, Tevez and Evra dropped.

The first half was by and large a one-way traffic with Chelsea putting their attacking might against United's defense. United got unlucky, though, when they had to bring in Hargreaves in place of Vidic who got a nasty blow in his jaws. 

With the reshuffled back line, United looked to be doing quite decent themselves until Ballack headed in for his first for the night. 1-0 Chelsea.

In the second half, United got back on level terms, undeservedly, when an innocuous back pass from Cavarlho was intercepted by a limping Rooney and clinically finished. 1-1 at the bridge.

But the real drama had yet to unfold.

Almost 25 minutes into the second half, Carrick was adjudged to have hand balled a Michael Essien cross inside his penalty area. Ballack stepped in to make it 2-1 to Chelsea. 

In the five minutes of added time, United came closer to scoring, only to see their effort cleared of the line. It ended 2-1.

There were a few other highlights into the game as well that were far from being footballing in nature.

First, a brawl between Essien-Drogba-Ballack over a free kick with Drogba almost giving Ballack a mouth-full later. Surely these things are best kept inside the dressing room, and it is up to the captain and manager to take care of.

Secondly, there was a little coming together of Chelsea and United players deep in injury time that resulted in Hargreaves and Ferdinand picking yellow cards.

Chelsea put forward a very professional and determined display and deservedly won the match.

United on the other hand looked jaded and tired. They walk out of this match with two injuries (Vidic and Rooney) and their credentials as champions left severely hampered. Sir Alex should own up to this defeat by not putting his best 11 on the pitch and going in again with a very defensive mindset.

Surely, the Barcelona match has done more bad to United than good. United have lost their quick passing ability and are looking tired indeed.

With the two title contenders locked on points and only two games to go, the premierships could not have asked for a better finale. It may very well come down to goal difference in the end.